Lanzarote Marathon

Location: Costa Teguise
Country: Spain
Website: https://www.lanzaroteinternationalmarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 06/12/2025
2026 Marathon Date: TBC
Winning Time 2025: 2:33:01
% Sub-3s: 2-5% # Sub-3s: 10-49 Total Finishers: 1-3k

The Lanzarote International Marathon is an annual December road race held on the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Spain. Known for its mild winter climate, coastal scenery, and predominantly flat profile, the event has established itself as a popular end-of-year marathon option for runners seeking consistent conditions and a relaxed, international atmosphere.

The race is based in Costa Teguise, on the island’s eastern coast, with both the start and finish located at Sands Beach Resort. From there, the marathon follows an out-and-back route that traces Lanzarote’s seafront avenues and promenades. Runners head south through Costa Teguise and Arrecife, the island’s capital, continuing past Playa Honda before reaching the turnaround point at Puerto del Carmen, near the Los Pocillos area. The return leg retraces the same coastal route back to Costa Teguise.

The course profile is largely flat and fully paved, with maximum elevation rarely exceeding 30 metres above sea level. This makes the marathon accessible to a wide range of runners, including those targeting steady pacing or winter personal bests. While the terrain itself is straightforward, the exposed coastal setting means wind can be a significant factor, particularly on the longer straight sections along the shoreline. The combination of flat roads and Atlantic breezes gives the race a distinctive character.

Scenically, the route showcases Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscape. Runners pass black lava rock formations, palm-lined promenades, open ocean views, and low-rise coastal towns that reflect the island’s distinctive architectural style. The visual contrast between the deep blue Atlantic and the island’s dark volcanic terrain is a defining feature of the experience.

The marathon is the oldest on the Canary Islands and has grown steadily into a well-established international event. It attracts a diverse field of participants from across Europe and beyond, many of whom combine the race with a winter holiday. Typical race-day temperatures range from 19 to 22°C, offering a warm but manageable alternative to colder mainland European winters.

In addition to the full marathon, the event weekend includes a half marathon, 10 km race, shorter fun runs, and children’s races, reinforcing its inclusive and community-focused character. Regularly spaced aid stations provide water, energy drinks, and fruit, ensuring solid on-course support.

Overall, the Lanzarote International Marathon offers a blend of simplicity, scenery, and seasonal appeal, combining flat coastal running with the distinctive environment of one of the Canary Islands’ most striking landscapes.